31 Women-Owned Brands That Merit Your Business

Most of the legacy fashion brands that dominate headlines are run by men — both on the business side, and on the design sign. When we look at the ones we follow on Instagram, the lookbooks that resonate with us, and the garments that immediately make us "add to cart," more often than not we're drawn to indie labels that might not have the name-recognition of a big-name house but are changing the industry in deeply impactful ways.

This year, the organizers of the Women's March planned A Day Without A Woman, when folks who identify as female are encouraged to take March 8 off (from paid or unpaid labor) and join events happening across the globe, wear red in solidarity, and refrain from shopping — save for small female- or minority-owned businesses. The way we spend our money can have a bigger impact than we might realize: The retail industry is plagued with ethical problems, and is oftentimes responsible for sustaining systems of oppression. As important as it is to educate oneself about where we're spending our dollars, it's just as crucial to use our capital to back our beliefs. After all, what does a "feminist"-branded T-shirt stand for if not a cent of the price tag goes towards supporting women or other underrepresented communities?

The fashion community is filled to the brim with talented, independent female makers that push the industry forward, both with their innovative businesses and fresh ideas. We've compiled some of our favorite young labels founded (and led) by women, which doesn't just illustrate the range of what these designers bring to the global retail landscape, but also how easy it is to shift your spending habits towards more conscious consumption. Ahead, 31 brands to guide your every day shopping, from now onwards.

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Universal Standard is for those who know size shouldn't compromise aesthetics. If you aren't already acquainted with the brand, prepare to become obsessed.

Slow Factory isn't just one of those brands that "empowers women" when it's trendy to do so — it's in its DNA — case in point: this screen-printed scarf bearing Nancy Roman's portrait. You can read more about Slow Factory's founder, who fled war-torn Lebanon at the age of three, here.

For the best in gender-neutral fashion (including but not limited to: sick statement blouses, slick suits, and feminist merch galore), look no further than Portland-based Wildfang. We would suggest starting with this badass T-shirt.

Looking for a staple pair of jeans that deliver premium quality without the high price tag? Check out the New York-based, L.A.-made Industry Standard. Founder Nicole Najafi has previously worked at the likes of Balenciaga, Lanvin, and Yves Saint Laurent.

We've recently been obsessing over C.A.B.'s charming handbags, which are the perfect mix of simplicity, practicality, and spaaaarkly. Plus, they're manufactured at a small studio in Los Angeles out of Italian-sourced leather.

Turns out those trendy boots you've been seeing everywhere on Instagram are designed by two women, Keren Longkumer and Valerie Quant, who realized their mutual love for unconventional forms and proportions after meeting in Los Angeles while studying footwear design. You can put us down for a few pairs.

Rallier's mission isn't to build your new uniform — although, it certainly could be. Rather, it's businesses is built with a giving program that donates enough money to make a school uniform for a student in Kenya with each dress sold.

You know its "The Future Is Female" T-shirt, but don't sleep on Otherwild's vast offerings, many of which are created in collaboration with organizations or benefit charity. This sweater, for instance, was inspired by a photograph from the Lesbian Herstory Archives, so 10% each sale goes towards the center.

The Brave Collection's affordable jewelry are the product of a collaboration with artisans in Cambodia — as such, 10% of the company's profits go back to fighting human trafficking in the southeast Asian country.